Practice Feature: Stretching Sessions

Stretching is a fantastic way to take care of your body on a regular basis. It is:

• Flexible (no pun intended!): Can be done in a variety of time intervals from 2 min – 90 minutes
• Simple: No fancy equipment needed
• Mostly Free: Once you learn how to stretch effectively, you can do this on your own, as it fits into your schedule, for years.

What will I gain from learning how to stretch?
Streching increases flexibility and range of motion, reduces pain, prevents injury, and is relaxing. There are many ways to stretch.  Learning the most effective technique(s) for your goals will make your stretching efficient.

There are also a vast number of stretching positions that target different muscle groups and suit varying levels of flexibility.  Identifying which muscle groups to stretch, using which position, can serve to increase your progress and success.

Why do I need one-on-one help? Can’t I just use a video?
Videos are fine once you know what you are doing and are comfortable in your body.  Proper alignment is ESSENTIAL for safe and successful stretching.  An outside eye can help correct your alignment and make sure you are actually stretching the muscle groups you think you are stretching.

What does stretching with you involve?
Streching with me involves an initial one-hour consultation where we asses your goals. If you already have a stretching routine I will observe what you practice and make alignment corrections if necessary. Based on your goals we will then create a personalized, fluid stretching sequence that fits your body and your schedule. You will leave with written directions to assist you. Half-hour follow-up sessions are scheduled according to your preference and needs.

Body Care for Gardeners

Are you a gardener?  Do you find yourself spending hours on end bending over caring for your plants?

Gardening season always excites us to get outside, get down on our hands and knees, and dig in! Common aches and pains from over exhuberent gardening:

• Low back ache
• Arm and hand pain
• Shoulder or neck stiffness
• Knee pain

While you’re out rescuing the earth, REMEMBER:

1. Stretch before, during, and after your work, especially if you anticipate working for more than 1 hour.
2. Work with awareness of your body position.  Instead of constantly twisting, turn your body to face your work.
3. Breathe. While doing small, repetetive tasks such as weeding, we tend to take small, shallow breaths or barely breathe at all.  While this seems to help us balance and focus, it limits our movement and ease. Please, Breathe.